Minneapolis , MN - Peter Phia Xiong, co-owner and radio show host at Hmong Minnesota Radio has recently purchased "Radio Diverse" AM 1600 KPNP, to serve the underserved communities in the Twins Cities.

Mr. Xiong was a successful broker and property investor before he and three partners created Hmong Minnesota Radio, a low band station requiring the use of a special radio, in 2003.
For Mr. Xiong what was once a dream is now a thriving business - serving the Hmong community with news, entertainment, and cultural programming.
In recent years the Hmong Minnesota Radio has connected the homebound and elderly.
It has made their universe smaller and a lot less lonely.
It has created a community within the Hmong community for those who long for the sweet sound of Hmong songs, culture, and information on world events.

Hmong newspapers and radio have become part of the Hmong American culture and a tool to reach thousands of people.
"Radio can change a person's mind like any other media," said Mr. Xiong.

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Mr. Xiong agreed, "Many of the diverse communities are learning by hearing rather than by reading.

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Mr. Xiong remains a partner in Hmong Minnesota Radio and continues to host his evening program while being the sole host for the programs on AM 1600.

Getting into the radio business and obtaining airtime has been a difficult journey up to this point.
There are always obstacles according to Mr. Xiong.
Using his past experience, Mr. Xiong has designed AM 1600 to serve the Somali, Lao, Vietnamese, Cambodian, and Hmong communities everyday from 8:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M. "We would like the Diverse Community to feel like they have a home here and give the mainstream the opportunity to reach the Diverse Community," said Mr. Xiong.

Even with the slogan "One message reaches all," operating a radio station is an expansive business and Mr. Xiong is the only staff for now.
He said money is not his priority.
He is more interested in educating, informing and entertaining the community.
Money is a by-product of servicing the community.
And he believes the community can support AM 1600.

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This is something that Mr. Xiong is working to correct.
Hours and schedule are posted on their website at www.radiodiverse.com.

Mr. Xiong invites any one interested in volunteering for the station or to learn more about how radio can impact their business to contact him.
"AM 1600 is receptive to accepting ideas from the community," said Mr. Xiong.
"It was the Hmong who helped get to where I am today.
My radio station is open to them, just give me a call."

Hmongs in Minnesota Enjoy First Full-Time Hmong Radio Station

In an exclusive interview with VOA, Peter Phia Xiong, co-owner of the Hmong Minnesota Radio station and host of its talk show program, says he and three partners established the station in 2003.
It is the first Hmong-owned full time radio station in the world.

He says his station operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, mainly in Hmong language dealing with news, entertainment, education and culture.

Peter Xiong says since the station began broadcasting on July 3, 2003, the audience grew from 200 households to about 10,000 households.
He expects listenership will increase to about 30,000 households by the end of 2004.

Peter Nom Phia Xiong
Peter Nom Phia Xiong loves Hmong radio shows and has been doing it for 20 years.
He can make one laughs, mads or cries.
Listen live Monday-Friday 8:am-10am central time.
E m: peter@kpnp1600.com